An army of autonomous taxis could soon hit the roads in the UK, with plans to launch this service in London later this year. Waymo, a US company, is aiming to introduce its fully self-driving taxi service in the capital city. The Mirror was granted an exclusive preview of Waymo’s AI-powered driverless cabs, also known as robotaxis, which are currently undergoing testing on London’s streets.
Before the service can commence, it must receive official safety approval. Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, asserts that its advanced technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents as well as injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. Although fares for these autonomous cabs are expected to be higher than traditional Uber and black cab rides, Waymo believes it will attract passengers who are concerned about human drivers, particularly for nighttime journeys, and those who value privacy.
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s senior director for business development and strategic partnerships, stated, “Our aim is to become the most trusted driver in the world. We are confident that we can make a meaningful impact on road safety.” She also described riding in one of their cabs as a “magical experience.” While the exact size of the planned London fleet was not disclosed, Waymo currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles, with the possibility of expanding to other cities in the UK in the future.
In a similar initiative, Uber is also testing autonomous taxis in London. Waymo’s executives claim that their advanced vehicles are equipped to handle the diverse driving conditions in the UK, from complex road networks to inclement weather. The company’s technology is designed to continuously monitor the surroundings and predict unexpected events like pedestrians emerging from blind spots.
Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in the UK and Europe, boasted, “Our technology offers a level of perception beyond human capabilities.” The fleet of autonomous taxis will feature Waymo’s technology integrated into electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles.
However, there are skeptics, including Steve McNamara from the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, who question public trust in autonomous vehicles, especially for tasks like transporting children. Andy Prendergast from GMB emphasized the need to carefully consider the social impacts of driverless cars, including potential effects on employment.
Tesla’s self-driving software has faced criticism due to its involvement in multiple accidents in the US, including a fatal incident. Waymo’s London taxis are currently stationary but showcase advanced technology visible through their exterior design and interior features, such as leather seats and touch screen tablets. While human drivers are currently in control during testing, the next phase will involve transitioning to fully autonomous passenger rides once regulatory approval is obtained.
Waymo and similar companies are optimistic that British consumers will embrace autonomous technology, akin to their counterparts in American cities. The public’s reaction and willingness to pay the anticipated premium for a driverless experience will ultimately determine the success of this innovative transportation service.